Supporters and opponents alike predict the debate could turn on the religious exemption. The bill passed the House in January but has yet to receive a vote in the Senate. Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, who has opposed gay marriage in the past, has said the sticking point in the debate for many senators is how broad the exemption is. Several senators, she said, wanted a more expansive exemption to protect religious organizations and private individuals who do not want to recognize gay marriage.

I’m of two minds about this. On the one hand, we want to pass the bill, and this seems like a small price to pay. On the other hand, how would people feel if they were asking for the right for individuals and businesses to refuse to work with african americans? or latinos?